US National Parks Face Extreme Climate Threats
A new study reveals 77% of America's national park sites are highly vulnerable to climate change impacts.
Parks Risk Fire, Drought, and Rising Seas
Most parks face transformational impacts, including severe wildfires, droughts, invasive pests, and sea-level rise.
Measuring Vulnerability: Three Key Factors
Vulnerability depends on a park's exposure to change, its sensitivity, and its natural capacity to adapt.
High Exposure to Climate Disturbances
Exposure includes extreme shifts in temperature and precipitation, exacerbating fires and coastal flooding.
Can Our National Parks Adapt?
Parks surrounded by urban development prevent wildlife from migrating safely away from climate dangers.
Assessing 259 Parks Across the US
Researchers analyzed 259 parks in the lower 48 states using vast spatial data to determine risk levels.
Highest Risks in Midwest and East
Eastern and Midwestern parks face the highest cumulative vulnerability due to intense land use and poor air.
Western Parks Face the Threat Trifecta
Many Western parks face a dangerous mix of fire, intense drought, and devastating forest diseases.
High Climate Velocity in the Great Plains
Flat landscapes in the Great Plains force species to move faster to survive changing climates.
New Strategies: Resist, Accept, Direct
Park managers are adopting new strategies to resist immediate changes and accept inevitable landscape shifts.
Guiding the Future of Conservation
Studies like this help allocate resources to the most at-risk parks, demanding ongoing monitoring and action.